Driving in India should be a video game

My Grandmother educated me well about the importance of healthy
bowels. I think the cows here eat too much curry. Although, seeing
Maria step in it never gets old. It is quite an experience; It seems
like you've taken a normal step but all of a sudden you are launched
ahead as if on a slip and slide. Before you know it you are three
steps ahead of yourself. I guess it's helpful if you're in a hurry!
Lots of folks on the trip have received 'cosmic counseling' from this
one particular 'Swami'. This swami happens to love Facebook, charges
$50 and then recommends you buy a certain gem stone of which he then
recieves a commission. There is value to his counsel I am sure, but I
passed on the offer. But Facebook can't be an indicator of a fake
swami. The real swami at the ashram next door is an avid FB'er. How
does one even become a Swami? Is it like being knighted? Is there an
exam?...some kind of aptitude test? I'll have to ask Rakesh or PK.
We have gone on some great hikes Yesterday we drove 4 hours and hiked
4k up a 75% grade to reach a temple for Hanuman that has great views
of several peaks. The clouds obscured the peaks but it was beautiful
to be IN the clouds.
Maria and I leave tomorrow for our trek north to Badrinath, we have
been Praying for peaks, sunshine and blue skies! We are going to the
last tea stall in India.
I just spent 20 minutes trying to get tumeric for my Ginger lemon tea
(which actually isn't tea, it's literally Ginger, lemon and honey in
hot water) How does an Indian not understand the word tumeric!!! It
will be a miracle if I don't get sick. Everyone except for my
roommate Natalie and I have had a fever and respiratory infection.
I'm taking ao many herbs and vitamins to counter all of the time spent
in a car with sick people every day.
Driving back from wherever we were yesterday it was pouring rain as we
wound down the mountain. There were landslides that happened while we
were up top. It looked like a completely different road/ path on the
way down. We were having sing alongs to old school Prince and Madonna
in our car. I know every single word to multiple Prince songs. I was
shocked and others were impressed. Thanks Suzanne! The second car
didn't have as much fun. They almost skidded off the road, their
accelerator broke and they nearly hit a mule.
We had our closing dinner last night on the rooftop. I tasted the
absolute worst dessert in the entire universe. It was a white sponge-
like, sugar liquid soaked/filled ball. If you ever see anything like
this nasty mass of goo give it to the nearest cow and run.
Maria and I are off the the mountains for the next 5 days. Pray for
blue skies and peaks!!!!

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